Mets Sign Miguel Batista

The Mets signed Miguel Batista to a minor league deal, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (on Twitter). The Cardinals released the right-hander late last month.

Batista pitched 29 1/3 innings for the Cardinals this year, posting a 4.60 ERA with more walks (19) than strikeouts (16). The 40-year-old's ground ball rate dropped from his usual 50% figure to 36.8% this year, but his average fastball velocity remains respectable. Even after 17 seasons in the majors, the righty averages 92.6 mph.